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Handwriting: What's Normal, What's Not

Learn what to look for as your child's handwriting skills begin to develop, as well as some signs and symptoms of dysgraphia — a learning disability that affects a child's handwriting and ability to hold a pencil or crayon.

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Handwriting is a basic tool that children use in the classroom for expressing their ideas, creating stories, and test-taking.

Handwriting, reading, and spelling skills reinforce each other. If your child is able to write letters easily and clearly, he can spend more time focusing on his message and forming interesting sentences.

Is my child's handwriting "normal?"

"Just being lazy"

It’s a myth that kids with learning and attention issues are "just being lazy." While learning and attention issues may not be as visible as other health issues, they’re just as real.

It’s a myth that kids with learning and attention issues are "just being lazy." While learning and attention issues may not be as visible as other health issues, they’re just as real.

Here are some developmental milestones in writing:

Preschool

Writing first appears as scribbles drawn in a large circular motion. As your child attempts to write her own name, shapes that resemble letters begin to appear.

Pre-K and kindergarten

Your child may enjoy drawing and labeling objects, using invented spelling with no vowels ("bed" becomes "BD"). He will write in upper case letters — most of them correctly formed — and begin to string separate words together to express more complex thoughts.

First grade

Fine motor skills are stronger and your child gains better control in writing her letterforms. She is learning the difference between upper case and lowercase letters. Invented spelling is still common. Writing is fun as your child gains confidence and "automaticity."

Second grade

Your child's handwriting may become smaller and neater. Your child is able to focus more on what he is writing than on the mechanics. Journal writing in class provides lots of practice for strengthening handwriting skills.

Third grade

Your child will begin to learn to write in cursive. Writing speed will slow down, and close attention to letter formation will increase. Some class assignments will be in cursive, which will provide practice with this new skill.

Poor handwriting and learning disabilities

Children who struggle with handwriting may be exhibiting signs of a learning disability called dysgraphia. Dysgraphia affects a child's ability to write with a pen, pencil, or crayon. It also affects other tasks that require fine motor skills, such as using scissors or buttoning a shirt. Dysgraphia often overlaps with other learning disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD, but not always. If you suspect that your child has dysgraphia, consult with your school's special education staff to have your child tested.

Some common signs of dysgraphia:

Awkward pencil grip and body position

Illegible handwriting, letters of different sizes

Unfinished words or sentences

Inability to write for very long

Avoidance of writing or drawing activities

Difficulty organizing ideas on paper

If your child continues to struggle with handwriting through the later grades, consult with your child's teacher about the possibility of being tested for special education services.